Mental Health

Concerned About Yourself or a Friend?

Ever felt so down you couldn't concentrate in school or enjoy social activities with your friends? If so, you are not alone. In a recent survey, half of all college students said they had been so stressed that they couldn't get their work done or enjoy social activities during the last semester. In the past 12 months, 11% of MU students have experienced major depression and 31% of students have experienced anxiety (MCHBS, 2010). But all of us have the power to take control of our emotional health in order to improve our moods and get the most out of life.

Taking control of your emotional health involves realizing that choices you make about sleep, diet and exercise can have a direct impact on your emotions and state of mind. It also means being proactive when you are concerned about your thoughts or feelings. When unaddressed, mental health problems like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and addiction can make it hard to do well or feel good. The good news is that these problems are treatable and getting help is the first step towards feeling better and moving forward.

Speak Up
If you were experiencing back pain or stomach cramps, you would probably go to your doctor or health center to get it checked out. It's just as important to speak up and get things checked out if you are concerned about your thoughts, feelings or behavior. Take control of your emotional health by using our Check Yourself tool or reaching out for help.

Your First Counseling Appointment: Questions to Ask
If you decide to see a mental health professional on or off-campus, there are questions you should ask on the phone or during your first visit.

On Campus:

Are there fees involved?

What kinds of professionals and programs are available?

What is the average waiting time for getting an appointment?

Is group therapy offered?

Are there a maximum number of sessions allowed per year?

What types of mental health specialists are on staff? Is there an on-staff psychiatrist?

Is there a pharmacy on-site?

Does the counseling center provide off-campus referrals?

Does the counseling center have satellite offices, such as dorm-based counseling?

Is there a counselor on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week? If not, what types of after-hours emergency services are available?

Off Campus:

If you decide to seek help off-campus, you should ask mental health professionals about their approach to working with patients, their philosophy, and whether or not they have a specialty or concentration. Does the therapist have experience helping people with similar problems to yours? It's also important that you feel comfortable with the counselor or doctor.

Before your visit, be sure to find out what your family's insurance policy covers and doesn't cover, as well as all applicable fees, limits of sessions, and in-network versus out-of-network provider policies. Working out the logistics of a visit can be intimidating, but don't let that be the reason you keep yourself from getting help. If you think it will help, ask a close friend or family member help you go through the details of making your first appointment.

Concerned about a friend?

Experiencing a suicidal crisis can feel unsettling, painful, and overwhelming. Many individuals have never directly dealt with a suicidal person, and when such a situation presents itself, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. AskListenRefer.org/mu is designed to help faculty, staff, and students prevent suicide by teaching you to:

Need Help Now?

1-800-273-TALK
If you're having thoughts of suicide or any type of self-harm, help is just a phone call away. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a trained professional and get connected to a mental health provider in your area. It's available 24 hours a day nationwide. You can also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Find Help On Campus

For Students in Crisis
Psychologists are on call at the Counseling Center (573) 882-6601 during regular business hours. You may call or walk in for a consultation. Psychologists and psychiatrists are on call at the Student Health Center during regular business hours. You may call (573) 882-1483 for an appointment.

For Faculty and Staff in Crisis
Call the Employee Assistance Program at (573) 882-6701 and speak to a licensed clinician 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

For After Hours
Call the MU Counseling Center at (573) 882-6601, the MU Police Department (573) 882-7201 (911 from campus), OR Take the person directly to the emergency room at University Hospital or Boone Hospital.